itinerary
New York (JFK) → Hong Kong (HKG) → Osaka (KIX)
Departure: Friday, April 17, 2026
departure
New York (JFK) → Hong Kong (HKG) → Osaka (KIX)
Departure: Friday, April 17, 2026
departure
Airport: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)en route
Private Terminal (WAV): Warren Aviation
Departure Time: 1:45 AM EST
Aircraft: Gulfstream G550
• Fully lie-flat cabin
• Enclosed lavatory
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Dedicated flight attendant
• Custom gourmet catering (preferences pre-selected)
Estimated Flight Time: ~22 hours, 15 minutesarrival
Layover: ~2 hours, 35 minutes at Hong Kong International Airport
Overnight flight with cabin configured for sleep shortly after meal service.
Airport: Kansai International Airportground transfer
Arrival Time: ~9:15 PM
Terminal: VIP / Private Aviation Terminal
Arrival Services:
• VIP fast-track customs & immigration
• Luggage handled directly to vehicle
• Discreet escort through arrivals
Vehicle:Accommodation — Kyoto, Japan
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class
• Professional, English-speaking chauffeur
• Bottled water, fresh towels, Wi-Fi onboard
Hotel: The Celestine, Kyoto-Gion
Location: Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Komatsucho, 572
Style: Modern, calming, and private.
Arrival Handling:
• Early-morning VIP welcome coordinated in advance
• Pre-arrival check in, express reception including pets
• Meal available upon arrival
Notes:
• Superior Wide King Room provided for guests.
• Yasaka Endo, private restuarant for on-site dining is available. However, the hotel encourages guests to dine locally.
• Bar lounge, yukatas for all guests and various amenities
• Ample privacy for all guests is provided
• 24-hour concierge & security provided on request
Tsunetomo looks less burdened now, in the hours leading up to it all. More like the man who trained Bruce, more like the man who had never taken no for an answer when he could force a yes.
"When this is over, understand that you are more to me than my student now. You are family I have never had before, the son I didn't envision yet came to me regardless."
Bruce bows his head, and Tsunetomo's wizend fingers touch the crown of his head.
"When this is over, understand that you are more to me than my student now. You are family I have never had before, the son I didn't envision yet came to me regardless."
Bruce bows his head, and Tsunetomo's wizend fingers touch the crown of his head.
first night in tokyo
first night in paris — the midnight
forging the beast — jóhann jóhannsson
night — john carpenter
the beast — jóhann jóhannsson
first night in paris — the midnight
forging the beast — jóhann jóhannsson
night — john carpenter
the beast — jóhann jóhannsson
Armor has sometimes decided the outcome of a battle more than it has strategy. Bruce knows that well enough as he starts with the boots, making sure that they fit Joseph well, that there are extra weapons there that he can reach to. To go into battle without good equipment, without a good armor is asking for death. It has to be worn well enough that the user is protected and that they are able to move at a moment's notice.
Restricting any movement has to be accounted for, has to be done in such a way that the wearer can compensate. More than once he's been told or scolded that the suits he's worn aren't always enough, that they don't protect enough.
More than once, he's always countered that he'd rather be stealthy than be protected, that to have that element matters more. As he runs his hands over the utility belt, as he adjusts the extra batarangs and double checks Joseph's gauntlets, he knows that the other man is better protected than what he'd ever be in some respects as a mutant.
At the same time, he understands why Joseph is a little bit nervous as he adjusts the cape, checks for the slots he's put on the suit to help his wings if they should come out. Understands that it's not just the suit that he's worried about wearing—he's concerned that by wearing this, by stepping into this, he will change how people view the Bat, concerned that he's honoring Bruce's code with this, concerned that at the end of this that—
He is my equal, in all things.
He adjusts the cowl, grasping Joseph's face in both of his hands, running his thumb over his skin, over the fabric. "You can do this, Joseph. I believe in you." He pulls him closer for a kiss, one that he hopes Joseph takes for luck and love.
Restricting any movement has to be accounted for, has to be done in such a way that the wearer can compensate. More than once he's been told or scolded that the suits he's worn aren't always enough, that they don't protect enough.
More than once, he's always countered that he'd rather be stealthy than be protected, that to have that element matters more. As he runs his hands over the utility belt, as he adjusts the extra batarangs and double checks Joseph's gauntlets, he knows that the other man is better protected than what he'd ever be in some respects as a mutant.
At the same time, he understands why Joseph is a little bit nervous as he adjusts the cape, checks for the slots he's put on the suit to help his wings if they should come out. Understands that it's not just the suit that he's worried about wearing—he's concerned that by wearing this, by stepping into this, he will change how people view the Bat, concerned that he's honoring Bruce's code with this, concerned that at the end of this that—
He is my equal, in all things.
He adjusts the cowl, grasping Joseph's face in both of his hands, running his thumb over his skin, over the fabric. "You can do this, Joseph. I believe in you." He pulls him closer for a kiss, one that he hopes Joseph takes for luck and love.
Where Joseph dons the cowl and the cape, Bruce chooses something else. Tsunetomo has many things he still possesses, including an old oni mask that he used to pass every day when he used to train under him. He chooses it carefully, along with the glither black clothes, the sword that Tsunetomo had once offered him. Everything he puts on is light enough to move in, just strong enough to take some hits, and it all allows him to sink into the shadows much more simply than anything else.
It isn't all he has, either: he has smaller utility belt he outfits with things children might like, that will make them comfortable. Things that will signal that he's on their side, and for a moment he takes a moment to center thimself. To consider how this night can go, will go if he has anything to say about it.
He looks at the imprint of the ring on his finger, about what it means.
When this night is over, he knows what he'll say, when they celebrate. Knows that when the sun rises, what he'll do, how he'll do it, and when.
He puts the mask on, grasps the sword, and makes his way out of the door five minutes after everyone else leaves. The bike he takes is small, well built, and Bruce knows that it will take him exactly where they're meant to go.
It isn't all he has, either: he has smaller utility belt he outfits with things children might like, that will make them comfortable. Things that will signal that he's on their side, and for a moment he takes a moment to center thimself. To consider how this night can go, will go if he has anything to say about it.
He looks at the imprint of the ring on his finger, about what it means.
When this night is over, he knows what he'll say, when they celebrate. Knows that when the sun rises, what he'll do, how he'll do it, and when.
He puts the mask on, grasps the sword, and makes his way out of the door five minutes after everyone else leaves. The bike he takes is small, well built, and Bruce knows that it will take him exactly where they're meant to go.
Everyone is supposed to be at the demonstration. Everyone except for three women and five men, who are all with the children. Bruce watches them quietly, one of the women clearly uncomfortable with the situation, trying to distract the two children — a girl named Ren and a boy named Ao. Ren is the one in pajamas with cartoon characters over it, leaning closely against his sister who's wrapped in a blanket, looking exhausted.
It's later than their normal bedtime, and it's clear to Bruce they only trust the woman who sits with them in front of an older television.
The others are clearly those either comfortable with the children not liking where they were or those who clearly didn't care. Bruce can distantly hear the sound from the garden, of the other yakuza laughing, ready for a demonstration.
He waits, patiently, in the rafters.
Waits until he hears the first blows being exchanged—and then he hits the EMP he'd brought.
Every electronic in the house shuts down immediately.
Darkness descends.
And Bruce drops from the rafters, ready.
It's later than their normal bedtime, and it's clear to Bruce they only trust the woman who sits with them in front of an older television.
The others are clearly those either comfortable with the children not liking where they were or those who clearly didn't care. Bruce can distantly hear the sound from the garden, of the other yakuza laughing, ready for a demonstration.
He waits, patiently, in the rafters.
Waits until he hears the first blows being exchanged—and then he hits the EMP he'd brought.
Every electronic in the house shuts down immediately.
Darkness descends.
And Bruce drops from the rafters, ready.
When the sun comes up, there are no more hostages in the house. There are men who are injured, who will perhaps never heal the same. There are hallways that have blood on them, floors that have dents in them, guns who either never fired at all or that have been cleaved cleanly through.
But there are no more hostages. There are two children who are safely with their grand uncle, along with the woman who looked out for them. There is a man who is waiting for them at the train station who is happy to have his children back in his arms, family reunited.
His teacher has given him directions on where to go, and in rare form, embraced him, thanking him for what he's done.
And Bruce? Bruce is able to pull the cowl from Joseph's face, and say, I told you, so.
But there are no more hostages. There are two children who are safely with their grand uncle, along with the woman who looked out for them. There is a man who is waiting for them at the train station who is happy to have his children back in his arms, family reunited.
His teacher has given him directions on where to go, and in rare form, embraced him, thanking him for what he's done.
And Bruce? Bruce is able to pull the cowl from Joseph's face, and say, I told you, so.
What if we got married on Sunday, Joe?"